Nets Lead with 'Ugly' and 'Menacing' ObamaCare Opponents Fueled by Palin's 'Violent Words and Imagery'
Sounding more like MSNBC's Countdown with Keith Olbermann than
impartial newscasts, ABC, CBS and NBC all led Wednesday night by
legitimizing Democratic talking points meant to discredit critics of the
just-passed health care bill.
“Opposition to health care turns
menacing,” ABC’s Diane Sawyer warned. CBS teased with audio clips --
“Baby-murdering scumbag,”“You are a dirtbag” and “I hope you die” -- as
fill-in anchor Maggie Rodriguez cited
“threats of violence against
Democrats who voted for health care reform, even as public support for
the plan is growing.”
On NBC, Brian Williams teased:
“It's getting ugly as anger over
health care reform erupts into some over-the-top rhetoric, including
threats now against members of Congress.” He opened by declaring:
“It
can now be said that the debate over health care reform has gone too
far. It's now veered into threats of violence.” Reporter Kelly
O’Donnell relayed how “Democrats accuse Republicans of stirring a
hostile mood” before Savannah Guthrie rued “Washington's epic 14-month
battle over health care has exposed an angry side of America.” She
recounted:
Wrapped around the brick that smashed the door of
Democratic party headquarters in Rochester, New York, a note with the
Barry Goldwater quote: ‘Extremism in defense of liberty is no vice.’ On
Twitter, former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin told followers, ‘Don't
retreat, reload.’ While an Alabama man advocated armed uprising....At a
conservative Tea Party protest at the Capitol this weekend, some
demonstrators hurled racially and sexually-charged insults at members of
the Congress.
CBS’s Nancy Cordes
dutifully reported “Democrats accuse their GOP
colleagues of inciting such acts with inflammatory rhetoric” as
“Democrats complain Sarah Palin is also using violent words and imagery.
On Twitter, she urges conservatives: ‘Don't retreat. Instead, reload.’
And the Web site of her political action committee posts bull's-eyes on
districts of vulnerable Democrats.”
On ABC, Jonathan Karl matched NBC’s Guthrie in highlighting the
“quote from former Republican presidential candidate Barry Goldwater” on
a brick while “House Democratic leaders are suggesting some of the
blame for all of this may lie in overheated Republican rhetoric.” He
listed “this from Sarah Palin, a message via Twitter: ‘Common sense
conservatives and lovers of America, don't retreat. Instead, reload.’ On
her Facebook page, cross hairs mark the districts of 17 Democratic
lawmakers she wants to see defeated in November.”
Only ABC's Karl, however, tried to offer some context, pointing out
“the incidents are relatively small and isolated” and that Democrats are
exploiting them: “The Democratic National Committee is publicizing the
incidents and even using them to raise money.” Rick Klein, ABC’s
in-house political expert, recognized: “Democrats are looking to build
some momentum out of this, and if they can demonize the other side, then
I think it's only to their political benefit.”
A demonization effort made possible thanks to the full cooperation of
the network newscasts.
TV journalists normally refuse to use the “pro-life” label and
instead call those opposed to abortion “anti-abortion rights,” but CBS’s
Cordes, the MRC’s Brad Wilmouth noticed, made an exception so she could
contrast their abortion views with presumed death threats: “Death
threats from pro-life callers started pouring into the office of
Michigan's Bart Stupak as soon as the anti-abortion rights Democrat
announced he'd vote yes.”

As for CBS anchor Maggie Rodriguez’s touting of how
“public support for the plan is growing,” Chip Reid related: “A new
CBS News poll conducted after Sunday's final vote
shows that 42 percent now approve of the health care bill, a modest gain
from 37 percent before the vote.”
Unmentioned by Reid and not displayed in the on-screen graphic:
more are still opposed with disapproval at 46 percent.
Reid, however, did note some other bad numbers for Obama: “62 percent
say Republicans should continue to challenge the health care bill. Only
30 percent say the bill will make the health care system better [worse:
33%]. And a mere 16 percent say the bill will mostly help them.”
Transcripts of the top stories on the Wednesday, March 24 ABC, CBS
and NBC newscasts, as compiled by the MRC’s Brad Wilmouth:
ABC's World News:
DIANE SAWYER, IN OPENING TEASER: Tonight on World News,
sound and fury: Opposition to health care turns menacing. Members of
Congress get extra security. Who is behind this?
...
SAWYER: Good evening. We learned today that extra
security was called in for some of those members of Congress who voted
yes on health care reform. It turns out angry opponents of the bill
unleashed threatening phone calls, scathing words, even bricks thrown
through windows. And Jon Karl has been following it all from Capitol
Hill. What's this about, Jon?
JONATHAN KARL: Well, Diane, the incidents are relatively small and
isolated, but they have captured the attention of congressional leaders
and law enforcement. Shattered glass in the offices of Arizona's
Gabrielle Giffords, death threats directed at Congressman Bart Stupak –
in the mail and over the phone.
AUDIO CLIP OF PHONE CALL: You turncoat son of a (BLEEP). I hope you
die.
KARL: And attacks on local Democratic party offices in Wichita,
Kansas, and Monroe County, New York. That one included a quote from
former Republican presidential candidate Barry Goldwater: “Extremism in
defense of liberty is no vice.” House Democratic leaders are suggesting
some of the blame for all of this may lie in overheated Republican
rhetoric.
STENY HOYER, HOUSE MAJORITY LEADER, CLIP #1: When people start
talking in the rhetoric of putting people on firing lines-
HOYER CLIP #2: -or they put a target on their faces, with cross
hairs, that activity ought to be unacceptable in our democracy.
KARL: He's referring to this from Republican Party Chairman Michael
Steele.
MICHAEL STEELE, RNC CHAIRMAN: This November, they're going to pay, so
let's start getting nasty, ready for the firing line this November.
KARL: And this from Sarah Palin, a message via Twitter: “Common sense
conservatives and lovers of America, don't retreat. Instead, reload.”
On her Facebook page, cross hairs mark the districts of 17 Democratic
lawmakers she wants to see defeated in November. Today, some Republican
leaders condemned the violence.
JOHN BOEHNER, HOUSE MINORITY LEADER: Violence and threats are
unacceptable. It is not the American way. Yes, I know there's anger, but
let's take that anger and go out and register people to vote, go
volunteer on a political campaign, and let's do it the right way.
KARL: The Democratic National Committee is publicizing
the incidents and even using them to raise money. This fundraising pitch
from Democratic Chairman Tim Kaine, vowing, “We're ready to do what it
takes to defend the heroes who made health reform possible.” Just send
your checks to the DNC.
RICK KLEIN, ABC NEWS SENIOR POLITICAL REPORTER: Democrats are looking
to build some momentum out of this, and if they can demonize the other
side, then I think it's only to their political benefit.
KARL: Late this afternoon, the Republican National Committee put out a
defiant statement defending Chairman Steele's comments and accusing
Democrats of, quote, “seeking to stifle debate under the false guise of
civility.”
CBS Evening News:
MAGGIE RODRIGUEZ, IN OPENING TEASER: Tonight, uncivil
discourse.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE VOICE #1: Baby-murdering scumbag.
UNIDENTIFIED
FEMALE VOICE #1: You are a dirtbag.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE VOICE #2: I hope you die.
RODRIGUEZ: And threats of violence against Democrats who voted for
health care reform, even as public support for the plan is growing.
...
RODRIGUEZ: Good evening. Katie is off
tonight. Since the passage of health care reform, more Americans are
telling us they approve it. We'll have the latest on our latest CBS News
poll in a moment. But first, some opponents of reform are making their
feelings known in a very ugly way, phoning anonymous threats to members
of the House who voted for it and vandalizing their offices, like
Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords in Tucson, Arizona. Congressional
correspondent Nancy Cordes is on Capitol Hill tonight. Nancy, law
enforcement is taking these threats very seriously.
NANCY CORDES: That's right, Maggie. The FBI is even investigating,
and Democratic leaders tell us at least 10 of their members have
received serious threats.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE VOICE #2: You will rue the day you did this, Mr.
Stupak.
CORDES: Death threats from pro-life callers started pouring into the
office of Michigan's Bart Stupak as soon as the anti-abortion rights
Democrat announced he'd vote yes.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE VOICE #2: I hope you die.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE VOICE #3: There are millions of people across the
country who wish you ill.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE VOICE #3: You’re a cowardly punk, Stupak. That's
what you are. You and your family are scum!
CORDES: Democrat Louise Slaughter received one call threatening to,
quote, "kill the children” of the members who voted yes. Her
headquarters in Niagra Falls, New York, is one of four Democratic
offices around the country that have been vandalized. Among them, the
Tucson, Arizona, headquarters for Congressman Gabrielle Giffords, where
windows were smashed.
REP. GABRIELLE GIFFORDS (D-AZ): We've got to take a time out, folks.
We've gone too far in certain areas, and this should not be tolerated.
CORDES: Democrats accuse their GOP colleagues of inciting such acts
with inflammatory rhetoric. Like Texas Republican Randy Neugerbauer's
outburst on the House floor Sunday night.
REP. RANDY NEUGEBAUER (R-TX): Baby killer!
CORDES: Shouting "baby killer" when Congressman Stupak was speaking.
JIM CLYBURN, HOUSE MAJORITY WHIP: The vast majority of the American
people look to us to provide the manner in which differences in our
society ought to be resolved.
CORDES: Neugebauer apologized to Stupak, but seems far from contrite
in a new campaign web ad.
NEUGEBAUER: I spoke very passionately because I believed what was
going on was not right for America. You know what? I'm never going to
quit speaking on behalf of the unborn.
CORDES: Democrats complain Sarah Palin is also using violent words
and imagery. On Twitter, she urges conservatives: “Don't retreat.
Instead, reload.” And the Web site of her political action committee
posts bull's-eyes on districts of vulnerable Democrats. A pair of Tea
Party activists in Virginia posted what they thought was Congressman Tom
Perriello's home address urging opponents of the health care bill to,
quote, "drop by” to provide a “personal touch” to their disappointment
in his yes vote. The home, it turns out, belonged to Perriello's
brother. Now police are investigating a severed gas line to his propane
grill. Republican House Leader John Boehner released this statement
condemning such behavior. Quote, "I know many Americans are angry over
this health care bill and that Washington Democrats just aren't
listening, but, as I've said, violence and threats are unacceptable.”
It's in this tense atmosphere that the Senate continued to debate a
major set of Democratic changes to the new health care law today.
SENATOR JOHN MCCAIN (R-AZ): You can put lipstick on a pig, Mr.
President, but this is still a pig.
CORDES: Republicans introduced 23 amendments that they said were
designed to improve the health care bill, and Democrats said were
designed to derail it.
HARRY REID, SENATE MAJORITY LEADER: How serious could they be?
Offering an amendment out here on gay marriage in the District of
Columbia? How serious could they be offering an amendment dealing with
Viagra for rapists?
CORDES: And now Senators have wrapped up that debate. They'll start
voting on all those amendments all night long. Democrats have vowed to
vote against all of them. Maggie?
RODRIGUEZ: Nancy, you've been on the Capitol all day. What are
members telling you about these threats?
CORDES: Well, some Democrats, frankly, Maggie, have told us they are
afraid especially because this batch of threats appears to be directed
not just at them but at their families as well. And that's unusual. They
feel frustrated that their Republican colleagues haven't come out more
forcefully against this kind of behavior. But Republicans have told us,
look, this is very unfortunate, but it's a fact of life here on Capitol
Hill, when you take a controversial vote like this there are going to be
threats.
RODRIGUEZ: Nancy Cordes on Capitol Hill. Thank you, Nancy. Let's
switch now to Chip Reid who is at the White House. Chip, what's the
reaction been there?
CHIP REID: Well, I asked Robert Gibbs about it at today's White House
briefing. I expected a fire-and-brimstone response, but instead he
ratcheted down the anger. He said yes, of course, all Americans have the
right to express their views passionately but not in a way that
encourages violence.
RODRIGUEZ: Of course, the heart of all this anger is the President's
executive order on abortion, and, Chip, that's what he was dealing with
today.
REID: He did, Maggie, but with so much controversy swirling around
the issue of abortion, he chose to deal with it quietly, behind closed
doors. Yesterday's health care signing ceremony at the White House was a
wild celebration. What a contrast to today's Oval Office signing of the
executive order on abortion. Anti-abortion rights Democrats whose votes
were crucial to passing the bill attended, but no press coverage was
allowed, only a photo taken by the White House. It appears to be an
attempt to avoid controversy as anti-abortion rights activists condemn
the order as a worthless piece of paper. They insist the health care
bill will allow federal funding of abortion. The White House disagrees.
ROBERT GIBBS: It ensures that health care, the law the President
signed yesterday, maintains the status quo.
REID: Amid all the anger over health care reform, the President did
get some good news today. A new CBS News poll conducted after Sunday's
final vote shows that 42 percent now approve of the health care bill, a
modest gain from 37 percent before the vote. And the President's
approval rating on health care is now 47 percent, up from 41. But the
poll also has some bad news – 62 percent say Republicans should continue
to challenge the health care bill. Only 30 percent say the bill will
make the health care system better [worse: 33%]. And a mere 16 percent
say the bill will mostly help them; 35 percent say it will mostly hurt.
Tomorrow, the President heads for Iowa where he'll continue selling
health care reform, but we’ll also be watching to see if he tries to
lower the temperature on this red hot debate. Maggie?
RODRIGUEZ: Chip Reid at the White House tonight. Thank you, Chip.
NBC Nightly News:
BRIAN WILLIAMS, IN OPENING TEASER: On our broadcast here
tonight, it's getting ugly as anger over health care reform erupts into
some over-the-top rhetoric, including threats now against members of
Congress.
...
WILLIAMS: Good evening. It can now be said that the debate over
health care reform has gone too far. It's now veered into threats of
violence, and tonight 10 Democrats who have been threatened are under
increased security. The rise in tension and political division has been
months, years in the making. Sunday's party-line vote in the House sent
it over the top. What amounted to a huge victory for the White House was
instead a rallying cry for the opposition. And today, there were calls
to calm down the anger. We begin here tonight with NBC's Kelly O'Donnell
on Capitol Hill. Kelly, good evening.
KELLY O’DONNELL: Good evening, Brian. There is a sense of alarm here
tonight, and there is caution about what should happen next. There are
members of Congress who have requested extra security, and the U.S.
Capitol Police tell us they have provided security briefings. Now,
leaders of both parties are treading carefully, publically condemning
threats and vandalism, but also not wanting to have attention encourage
other attacks.
STENY HOYER, HOUSE MAJORITY LEADER: We have been meeting with the
Capitol Police and the FBI who are obviously concerned as well.
O’DONNELL: That sobering assessment from top House Democrats today
after at least ten members of Congress reported threatening incidents.
They suspect the acts are politically motivated and linked to the House
passage of health care reform.
REPORTER TO HOYER: Do you feel that your members are really at risk
in terms of their security?
HOYER: Yes, I think we've had very serious incidents that have
occurred over the last 48, 72 hours.
O’DONNELL: From shattered glass blown out by a pellet gun at the
Arizona district office of Democrat Gabrielle Giffords, to a brick
thrown through a window at the New York office of Louise Slaughter.
REP. LOUISE SLAUGHTER (D-NY): In Niagara Falls we had the FBI, the
local police and the sheriff were all in there working together on it.
O’DONNELL: Today at this Virginia home, a propane tank line was found
severed. Congressman Tom Perriello's brother lives there. That address
had reportedly been posted on a conservative activist Web site with a
message to drop by. Democrats accuse Republicans of stirring a hostile
mood and connect that to tactics used by Republicans to slow things down
in the Senate today.
SENATOR JIM WEBB (D-VA): The process that got us here has been ugly.
SENATOR TOM HARKIN (D-IA): There’s no more than an attempt to stop
and kill this reconciliation bill, and we can't allow that to happen.
O’DONNELL: Republicans offered dozens of amendments, trying to derail
a final package of fixes to the health care reform law and accuse
Democrats of ignoring the public.
SENATOR JUDD GREGG (R-NH): The arrogance is palpable – palpable – and
inexcusable.
O’DONNELL: Political anger and frustration on vivid display, in ways
both civilized and over the line. Kelly O'donnell, NBC News, the
Capitol.
SAVANNAH GUTHRIE: This is Savannah Guthrie at the White House where
the President's spokesman said passionate views over health care
shouldn't turn violent.
ROBERT GIBBS: We ought to exercise those views, not in a way that
threatens anybody's safety or security, not in any way that foments
violence.
SENATOR ARLEN SPECTER (D-PA): Wait a minute! Wait a minute!
GUTHRIE: Washington's epic 14-month battle over health
care has exposed an angry side of America-
CLIP OF PROTESTERS: Kill the bill!
GUTHRIE: -and the fault lines of a fundamental philosophical divide –
how big government should be and how involved in people's lives. The
backdrop of Wall Street bailouts and main street suffering only
sharpening the break.
JEFF SHESOL, FORMER CLINTON SPEECHWRITER: This is an argument that
goes all the way back to the founding of the country. And during times
of economic distress, this argument, which is always simmering,
explodes. We saw it in the1930s, and we’re seeing it again today.
GUTHRIE: Wrapped around the brick that smashed the door
of Democratic party headquarters in Rochester, New York, a note with the
Barry Goldwater quote: "Extremism in defense of liberty is no vice.” On
Twitter, former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin told followers, "Don't
retreat, reload.” While an Alabama man advocated armed uprising.
MIKE VANDERBOEGH, FORMER ALABAMA CONSTITUTIONAL MILITIA LEADER: The
muzzles of three million rifles who can be – if required – pointed
directly at the hearts of anyone who wants to be a tyrant in this
country.
GUTHRIE: At a conservative Tea Party protest at the Capitol this
weekend, some demonstrators hurled racially and sexually-charged insults
at members of the Congress. Appearing on MSNBC, former Bush White House
advisor Karl Rove suggested these are the growing pains of a burgeoning
political movement.
KARL ROVE: Sometimes their rhetoric is raw and angry, and that's the
down side. The up side is, is that a large number of people have been
spectators have been motivated by a deep concern about our country to
get involved in politics.
GUTHRIE: Well, speaking of divisive social issues, the President
today signed an executive order designed to prove and show that the new
health care law does not allow for federal funding of abortion. That was
key to that last-minute deal with anti-abortion Democrats that put
health care reform over the line.
— Brent Baker is Vice President for Research and Publications at
the Media Research Center. Click
here to follow him on Twitter.